Page 22 of More Than Just Friends

It felt ridiculous even saying that because, hello? It was obvious that he did. She was beyond stunning and every time I looked over they were both grinning like a couple of lovesick teenagers.

I was happy for him.

And I wasn’t surprised she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Once again Noah looked incredible. Today he was wearing a plain white T-shirt and, as he sipped his coffee, the curl of his biceps was a sight to behold. Those were the kinds of muscles I liked. The ones that didn’t look like he’d split his top if he coughed too hard.

I shouldn’t even be thinking about this. Firstly, because it was shallow and tantamount to body-shaming super-muscular men, which was not okay and secondly because best friends didn’t scrutinise each other’s physiques.

Despite knowing this, I couldn’t seem to tear my gaze away.

Noah turned his head and his eyes met mine.

Busted.

I hoped he hadn’t felt me staring at him.

He smiled and a flutter erupted in my stomach. I must still be hungry. He waved, then looked at the empty chair at my table.

Embarrassment washed over me.

Noah said something to his match then got up and strode across the terrace towards me.

My breath caught in my throat.

‘Hey.’ He frowned, pulling out the empty chair opposite me and sitting down. ‘You okay?’

‘Yeah!’ My voice shot up several octaves. ‘How’s your match? She’s so pretty.’

‘Yeah. She’s really nice,’ he said. Clearly he was playing down how much he liked her so he didn’t make me feel bad. ‘Where’s your match?’

‘He’s still in bed. We had a late night,’ I said. Leaving the bar at midnight wasn’t really a reason to still be in bed after nine, but I wasn’t Adonis’s mother so if he was too tired to get up that was his choice.

‘Oh, right,’ Noah said. ‘I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.’

‘Yeah, yeah!’ I said. ‘All good! I’m looking forward to finding out where we’ll be going today.’

‘Me too,’ Noah said, his gaze dropping to the table before moving back over to his match. Two minutes away from her and he was already getting withdrawal symptoms. ‘Anyway, I should go…’ Noah pushed his chair back, then got to his feet.

‘Course! Don’t worry about me. I haven’t been stood up. Adonis is really lovely.’

‘Adonis?’ His brows shot up. ‘He’s actually called that?’

‘Yep! His name’s kind of fitting, right? His parents must’ve known he’d grown up to look like a Greek god!’ I smiled. ‘What’s your date’s name?’

‘Kayleigh,’ he said. ‘She’s a lingerie model from London.’

‘Oh wow.’ I swallowed hard. I didn’t even know why I was so surprised. She’d make a Victoria Secret’s model look like the girl next door. ‘Wow. You lucked out there. That’s every guy’s wet dream, right?’

‘I can’t complain,’ he said diplomatically. ‘If you need anything, I’ll be over there.’ He pointed to his table.

‘I’m fine! Go! Don’t keep your sexy supermodel waiting!’ I grinned, ignoring the sinking feeling in my gut as Noah walked away.

Right. Time to grab some more food. Then I’d get ready for the briefing where I’d see my gorgeous Adonis again.

Noah wasn’t the only one who’d lucked out. I was lucky too. Today was going to be a great day with my match. I could just feel it.

8

NOAH